James_Sept-Oct_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 75
There’s been some chatter lately
about whether population growth in
metro Atlanta is slowing down. As
an economist, I pay closer attention
to the data behind that kind of talk
than the headlines touting it.
Let’s be clear: Metro Atlanta is
growing. But like any long-running
success story, the pace and patterns will shift. I don’t believe this is
cause for alarm. Rather, it’s a sign of
a maturing region adjusting to new
dynamics.
The Real Numbers
Each year the U.S. Census Bureau estimates population changes
in every county across the country,
including the 159 in Georgia and the
29 in the metro Atlanta region. We
get that data in three categories:
Domestic migration: people moving
from other places in the U.S.
International migration: people moving from other countries
Net natural population: people born
here versus how many pass away
These numbers are estimates—
a full headcount is only conducted
every ten years— but they’re useful
to see trends and patterns.
In the most recent estimate,
metro Atlanta saw a slight dip
in one area: fewer people moved
here from other parts of the country
than in previous years.
That was a decrease of 1,300
people across a region of more than
6.4 million. At the same time, natural
population growth and international
migration added more than 75,000
new residents. That is clear, positive
growth— though the steep upward
trajectory of past years may be
beginning to moderate. Moderate,
sustained growth is ideal. It’s a sign
of a healthy economy. It’s good for
momentum. And it becomes vitally
important when national economic
trends take a negative turn.
A Strong Foundation
Atlanta is a powerful economic
engine that supports commercial activity across the entire state of Georgia. The metro region’s workforce,
infrastructure and mix of industries
continue to attract employers and
fuel opportunity, both within the
metro and beyond. Growth may be
leveling off from the record-setting
pace of the past decade, but that’s
not unusual for a region that’s seen
explosive expansion.
The key question now is how we
manage that growth and how we position ourselves for what comes next.
That’s where strategic planning and
strong partnerships between local
leaders, state officials and private
industry matter most.
The Big Picture
Population estimates are one of
many indicators and data points we
take seriously, but they don’t tell the
whole story. Smart leaders look at
long-term trends and make decisions
that keep Georgia competitive, from
tax policy and workforce training
to quality of life and infrastructure.
Similarly, in the private sector, business leaders look to these patterns to
help guide decisions around capital
investment, operations, staffing, and
long-term planning.
Metro Atlanta’s growth story is
far from over. It is too soon to tell if we
are entering a new chapter, but working together we can make it a time of
strategic growth that reaps benefits
across the entire state. Georgia and
Atlanta have a powerful history of
collaboration for mutual benefit. If
we maintain a focus on real data, not
just headlines, we can position metro
Atlanta to continue to strengthen
Georgia’s economic prowess.
Dr. Jerry Parrish is the Chief Economist of the Metro
Atlanta Chamber.
S E PT E M B E R /O C TO BER 2025
75
